Welcome Home Friend I have been waiting here longing for you, You helped me when I felt so lost and alone. No one but you saw the fear in my eyes, And the joy I could bring to a home. Though your work days were long with so much to do, You somehow made time to comfort me so …
To Those I Love
If I should ever leave you whom I love To go along the Silent Way, Grieve not, Nor speak of me with tears, But laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there. ( I’d come – I’d come, could I but find a way! But would not tears and grief be barriers? ) And when you …
The Chair at the End of the Hallway of My Heart
By Richard Lee Barz Dedicated to my sister, Lucinda Clark & “Harley” There is a chair in a hallway that is long and sits by my heart. Upon that chair there sits my pets. Every so often the chair is empty with the passing of my pets. In these instances my soul sits on the chair grieving for …
The View from Above
I explained to St. Peter,
I’d rather stay here,
Outside the pearly gate.
I won’t be a nuisance,
I won’t even bark,
I’ll be very patient and wait.
I’ll be here, chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I’d miss you so much, if I went in alone.
It wouldn’t be heaven for me.
Shotzi
I think that there can never be a toy poodle like Shotzi.
As laid back as he could be, and tons of personality.
On Christmas Eve he passed away.
There was no joy on that day.
But I thank the Lord above, for giving me this puppy’s love.
I’m going to miss this little guy, Yes, it’s true grown men do cry.
At the rainbow bridge I hope he’ll be, Waiting patiently for me.
And in heaven we can be, together for eternity.
William C. Sedberry
Columbus, MS
Consider End-of-Life Issues for Companion Animals Before It’s Time
Last week while working at the Humane Society of Sedona, a woman approached the counter. She looked upset, and asked “How do you know when it is time to put an animal down”? I could tell this was difficult for her. We went to my office, and I listened while she talked about her 14 year old companion, who was experiencing medical issues.
I recall writing about this in a Paw Prints column, and thought it would be appropriate to repeat it. When the time comes, we’d all like for our animal companions to die peacefully in their sleep without pain or intervention. Few animals are so lucky.
A friend of mine recently lost her best friend. She is very aware of how painful it is to face the end of a beloved pet’s life. Thinking about the unthinkable before being faced with it can make a difficult time a little bit easier.
Euthanasia is the Greek word for “easy death”. The subject is anything but easy though, and pet guardians approach it in a variety of ways. Some pet parents are opposed to euthanasia because of religious or other beliefs. Others may request euthanasia as a matter of convenience.
The latter is a disheartening occurrence and an ethical dilemma. Veterinarians, as well as shelters, may refuse to perform euthanasia when it is not medically warranted. People whose pets have lengthy or terminal illnesses struggle to make the best decision.
Can their pet be treated? If so, to what degree? Will treatment significantly extend the companion animal’s life span or improve the quality of life left? Is it time to consider euthanasia?
These guardians are aware that if their pet will never get better it may be a kindness to spare him the suffering of a lingering illness. Veterinarians realize euthanization prevents suffering at the end of life. Euthanasia can be a blessing for some animals.
It is agonizing to care for dying animals for which this option is not being considered. Despite a vet’s best effort, these pets suffer to some degree. How and when should we decide to humanely end the life of an animal we love? To avoid this decision to animals who have given us so much is selfish. The decision has to be made with the animal in mind.
It is important not to wait too long and allow the animal to be in pain. It’s a fine and difficult line to walk, and the answer and timing will be unique to each family. It a pet is in obvious distress, having difficulty breathing, untreatable arthritic pain or intractable vomiting or diarrhea, the decision is easier. Other signs of suffering can be more subtle.
Generally speaking, if a pet engages in certain activities some quality of life remains. These include interest in food and surroundings, attention to grooming, interaction with familiar people and animals and ability to eliminate without becoming soiled.
Other factors need to be considered. The end of a pet’s life can involve enormous investments of time, money and nursing care. Depending on circumstances, these burdens can put tremendous strain on a family.
Euthanasia offers a human alternative to allowing a pet to deteriorate untreated. Before you are faced with a need to make a final decision, talk with your vet about any questions you may have. He will explain the actual procedure that is used and the options in our area for taking care of the body afterwards.
A question that a guardian should ask is whether or not to be present with your pet when it is euthanized. There is no right answer. If seeing your pet die would upset you terribly, it may be best that your last memories of your furry companion be of him alive. Our humans emotions are communicated to our pets and could upset them. If you feel your presence might offer him comfort, then you might prefer to be there.
Many of us are unprepared for the depth of our grief when out pets die. Yet grief is a normal response to the loss of a relationship in which so much love has been enjoyed. Your grief is for a unique and irreplaceable friend with whom you shared a deeply personal relationship on a daily basis. The most difficult grief is that which is borne alone. Speak with an understanding friend who will listen and understand.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep
Then will you do what must be done, for this, the last battle can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand, but don’t let grief stay your hand
For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand
the test.
We have had so many happy years; you wouldn’t want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they’ll tend, only stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you who has to decide this thing to do. We’ve been so close, we two, these years, don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Unknown
What about the future? Remember you are vulnerable at this time. Avoid making important decision, and don’t well-meaning supporters get a new pet for you. You will know when the time is right to open you heart to another furry friend.Humane Society of Sedona
Jacquie Randall
Volunteer Coordinator
Humane Society of Sedona
A Dog’s Purpose – from a 4 year old
Being a veterinarian, I was called to examine a ten year old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “People are born so they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The four-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
The Loss of a Heart-Dog
I stood by your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,
You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly
as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you,
I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here”.
I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times,
Your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today,
Your arms were getting sore,
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
That I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house,
As you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you,
I smiled and said “It’s me”.
You looked so very tired,
And sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
That I was standing there.
It’s possible for me to be,
so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty,
“I never went away”.
You sat there very quietly,
Then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.
And when the day is over…
I smile and watch you yawning,
And say “Goodnight, God Bless you,
I’ll see you in the morning”.
And when the time is right for you
To cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you,
And we’ll stand side by side.
I have so many things to show you,
There is so much for you to see,
Be patient, live your journey out…
Then come home to be with me.
Author Unknown
Welcome at Rainbow Bridge – September 11, 2001
On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.
At issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them.
What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?
We don’t talk about that much up here. We share out loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.
Last Tuesday morning, a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment..An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.
They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.
All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans’ pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring amount them – “May I have one to comfort?” – “I’ll take two, I have a big heart.” – “I have been saving kisses forever.”
One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, “Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child, ’cause I’m soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged.”
A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.
Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss.
Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, “I will love any human who needs love.”
Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share – each tail wagging an American Flag.